Even with the rainy Labor Day weather, the Calcasieu Federation of Teachers and members of the public enjoyed its holiday celebration with a family picnic.
Teri Johnson, president of CFT and former educator of 23 years, said the day was planned for children to have fun and so their parents could visit with other union members and workers.
“It’s our way of saying ‘Thank you’ to our workers and laborers,” Johnson said. “I can’t do much for them, but I can give them a nice day when they’re off from school and don’t have to cook (so they) can come and visit.”
Children were able to enjoy games of ladderball and a visit with animals like baby quail and goats from Feathers & Fur Petting Zoo in Kinder. Guests ate hamburgers, hotdogs and dessert while awaiting door prize numbers to be called out.
Phoebe Fincher, a second-year teacher at Oak Park Middle and CFT member, said she has been coming to these types of events for five years with her mom, Patricia Dupre, who is also involved in the union.
“It’s a day to celebrate working and working people,” Dupre said. “And that’s why we do it.”
Johnson said events like this and their Christmas evening picnic celebration are ways to congratulate teachers for their hard work. “We know what they go through and want to pat them on the back and say ‘Atta boy.’ ”
Because of unions, teachers can enjoy a 40-hour work week and weekends off, she added. Johnson personally grew up in a household with union parents who were an electrician and teacher.
“We always respected our unions for the work that they do, and we don’t always agree with people in D.C., but we know that the people here care about each other,” Johnson said. “That’s what it all boils down to: we care about our community.”
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